NSW Shadow Minister for Police, Mike Gallacher, has criticised the Government for "conveniently delaying" construction of the new Windsor Police Station building.
Mr Gallacher visited the Day Street construction site on Monday, along with fellow Liberals Hawkesbury MP Ray Williams and Hawkesbury Mayor Bart Bassett.
The trio attacked the Government for under spending on the police station project by $4 million in the 2008-09 budget. Mr Gallacher said the $11.25 million police station was originally supposed to be completed in 2009, but the finish date was now "some time in 2010".
He said the project was conveniently being delayed so it would be finished in time for the lead up to the next State Election, which is due in March 2011.
"I think this is a political delay rather than a legitimate delay," Mr Gallacher said.
"I'm seeing it in a number of seats, including Port Stephens and the Wyong Local Area Commands... in areas that are very similar to here in that they are regional areas where there is a much needed demand for police."
The Windsor police station project was a 2007 election promise by the State Government and Police Minister Tony Kelly has admitted to a "long and slow gestation period" before construction started in February this year.
The Gazette contact Tony Kelly's office for comment but had not received a response at the time of going to press.
However, Riverstone MP John Aquilina said as far as he was aware the new building was on track to open in March next year.
"We've always had a program for about the middle of next year...we're still looking at a March walk in date," Mr Aquilina said.
In regards to the budget being underspent by $4 million, Mr Aquilina said the unspent money had been carried over in to the 2009-2010 budget, and there was enough money in this year's budget for the project to be completed.
However Mr Gallacher said he would be keeping the pressure on the Government to complete the project as soon as possible, and would be asking Mr Kelly for specific details in terms of a deadline when they meet again in Parliament.